Have you noticed how often you say or hear the phrase “Thank you?” It’s an integral part of our lives and our conversations! Now, imagine there were funnier ways to answer it than just the traditional “you’re welcome.” Let’s take a closer look at other ways to reply to thank you!
In order to give you the tools to better use these options, we have broken them down into categories!
Replies to thank you for your family and friends
When you talk with your family, you tend to use informal English. Talking to your sister is definitely not the same as talking to your boss! Let’s see some options you can use at home.
You’re welcome
This answer is probably the most common one. It is the answer you are going to find in most English textbooks and it is most likely the one you already knew! Sure, it isn’t that flashy or funny, but it certainly does the job.
You can say you’re welcome in both informal and formal contexts.
I got you
This informal answer can be used with friends. You are literally saying that you support the person and thus, it is normal for you to help and have their back. It shows that you are happy to be of help!
No problem
You can give some piece of mind to the person you are helping with this phrase! It means that helping them poses no problem for you at all. That way, the person you are helping feels reassured and is not like a burden.
Don’t mention it
You are so happy to be of service that you don’t even need to be thanked! That is the main meaning of this phrase. Just like the previous one, it reassures the person you are helping and shows how nice you are!
Anytime
This answer reflects the actual meaning of the word. It means that you can help any time the other person needs it! Once again, you are showing how helping causes no trouble for you and that you could do it whenever needed.
A pleasure
Do you think helping others can be a pleasure? That is exactly what this phrase means! You can say that it was a pleasure helping and once again showing that you can be of service without hesitation. You even enjoy it!
Happy to help
A phrase that needs no further explanation! You are literally happy to be of service and you let the other person know it. It is quite a gentle answer for the people you help along the way.
Sure thing
It may seem a bit weird to answer like this, but it is completely normal! You acknowledge the thank you and reassure the other person that you were happy to help as well.
It’s no big deal
This answer shows that doing the favor was something easy for you. Even if it wasn’t you reassure the other person that it didn’t cost you much to help them. It’s no big deal can be a nice way to answer friends when you are of service to them.
No biggie!
This is a funny variation of the phrase above! If you are with family and friends and you want to go for a fun way to answer, make this your go-to!
Replies to thank you for your work
When we are at work, we need to be more formal and show some more politeness. But fret not! It’s easy to do and won’t rob your peace of mind. Let’s check some of the possible formal answers!
It’s my pleasure
Although this is similar to some of the options you read above, you can use it in a more formal context with this structure. You are emphasizing that helping your coworker is of pleasure to you. It can help you create a better relationship with them!
Happy to be of service
This answer is the formal version of “happy to be of help”! As you can see, you are giving the same message, but using formal workspace vocabulary. You can show your coworkers how helping them and being of service doesn’t bother you at all.
You’d do the same for me
This phrase shows reciprocity and presents the opportunity to further collaboration down the road. Working hand in hand with your coworkers is a great way to build a strong team.
I’m honored you asked
This phrase is as formal as it gets! Not only are you happy to be of service, but you are also honored to have been asked for help! This phrase shows the other person how highly valued they are for you and how glad you are to help them.
Wrapping Up
Regardless of the context, it is always nice to acknowledge the person thanking you. Helping people out might be one of the best feelings in the world, and doing it in English can help you improve as well!
In order to make these words part of your active vocabulary, you need to start using them! Every time you get the chance, try to remember one of the interesting answers you read in this article.
You will be answering like a native speaker in no time! Besides, you will have a wonderful repertoire of options at your disposal!